The livestocking of cattle started with the rise of civilisation in human communities. Human civilisations were involved in cattle farming as early as 5000-10000 years ago. Then and now, the domestication of cattle started with an aim to provide meat and dairy products to the fellow population. In the early days, cattle were also used in place of tractors to plough agricultural lands. Furthermore, they were also used in day-to-day transportation. In addition to the above usage, cattle byproducts such as leather and dung were also used to maximise the cattle farming potential.
As per a survey conducted by Statista, India domesticated the largest number of milk-producing cows. Furthermore, this survey also found that the global cattle population in 2022 was around one billion. This was a significant growth from around 996 million in 2021.
What is cattle farming?
Cattle farming has been defined as the procedure of raising livestock for various purposes. As we discussed, cattle farming is the rearing and management of livestock with an aim to improve the quality, quantity and biodiversity of cattle taken under concern. To achieve this aim, cattles with high meat, milk, etc., producing capacities are bred and developed. There have been enough achievements in the field. These achievements have kept the industry competitive, revenue-producing and successful.
A must-read: Buffalo Farming Project Report
Improving cattle farming: Taking cow farming as a reference
Improving cattle farming will be discussed broadly in this section. In this section, we will set a demonstration on ways to improve cow farming. Below are the five ways to improve results in cow farming:
1. Increasing grain in their daily diet
A cow is more into eating hay and grass forage. However, adding healthy grains periodically into their daily diet improves their weight significantly. Just to add, we will say a nutrition-rich diet is one of the most important factors in cow farming.
2. Avoiding illness and parasites
While guessing the health of a cow, there is a simple rule that has been considered for ages. The simple rule says that a healthier cow weighs more than an unhealthy one. Additionally speaking, the common cow parasites directly reduce their weight. Furthermore, particularly young calves are more prone to parasites.
In addition to this, keeping the cow’s feed mould and yeast free is one of the most important steps in avoiding cow’s common illness.
3. The importance of weight gain supplement
When talking about the health of a cow in cattle farming, adding food supplements like proteins adds an ample amount of health to cows. Another common and popular cow dietary supplement is beet pulp. This enlarges cows’ stomachs, thus allowing them to engulf greater amounts of food. Henceforth, it aids in maintaining cows’ health.
4. Usage of creep feeders during weaning
Creep feeders are great options to create preferences and ways of psychologically handling cow’s growth. These allow you to enable stress handling of cows in cattle farming.
5. Taking cattle shrink and stress into consideration
Cattle shrink is a phenomenon that is mostly observed during cow transportation. In this observation, it was found that the cows went under stress and shrunk to lose an ample amount of weight as a result. Furthermore, it was found that the greater the stress, the more they will be shrunk in its shape. Henceforth, losing weight as a result.
Thus, in conclusion, improving cattle farms is one of the easiest steps to improving them if the health of the cattle is taken seriously.
What are the important steps involved in starting a cattle farm?
The revenue growth observed in the cattle farming business has been immensely increasing over the years. This has proven profitability in the business. Experts say, with planning, hard work, and taking a few health factors into consideration, one can easily launch a great and successful cattle farm. Below the few steps involved in starting a cattle farming business.
1. Understanding the basic steps involved
Like any business cattle farming business needs a name to start up. Furthermore, just to add, you need to have a business plan and marketing team to start up and start selling up your cattle farming products. Furthermore, licensing your cattle farming business and getting permits for it is also one of the most important steps involved in starting a cattle farm.
2. Financially insuring and securing a cattle farm business
The second step involved is financially securing your cattle farm business. This includes opening a bank account and getting the right amount of funds. Furthermore, the right insurance for the cattle farming business also needed to avoid accidental loss. This step considered the wisest step of all while opening a cattle business.
3. Opening up for business
The last and the most formal step is opening up for business to let the flow of customers sway in. Also, it advised to opt for CRM (customer relationship management) software and tools to maintain good relationships with customers. These CRMs also help in keeping track of spending on marketing and sales.
Related: Opening a Duck Farming Business In India
Are cattle farming sustainable?
Cattle farming and its sustainability are a major concern nowadays. This statement stated based on a study conducted by the United Nations in 2013. The study suggests that cattle are one of the biggest causes of methane production (A greenhouse gas) worldwide. Therefore, the question that asks the sustainability of cattle farming itself is a broad question. Let us consider a study to strengthen our point regarding it.
A study for the decade 1994-2014 suggests that only 2-5% of the adult population worldwide was dependent on plant-based food, considering it as their primary diet. However, a survey shows that the consumer population between 2014-2017 increased by 600%. This study concludes that seeking sustainability in cattle farming is something that is impossible at the moment. However, fingers crossed, innovations might change the scenario we see today to increase the sustainability of cattle farming.
To wrap up
As you observed, we discussed various hot and trending aspects of cattle farming. These aspects covered a lot of verticals. Thus wrapping up, we will say considering cattle as an asset while farming them is an important step in cattle farming and its success. Speaking about its sustainability, it has been observed that with currently available intelligence in technology and science, it is almost impossible. This statement stated, taking the stats of meat-loving people into consideration. What are your thoughts on it?
Related Blog
Goat Farming Project Report: Investment, Expenses & Profit
What is Animal Husbandry – Importance of Livestock Production
